Taylor Byars, the backpacking partner of missing firefighter Mike Herdman, spent 24 hours searching for his friend and coworker before going on a day-long hike for help, according to a colleague speaking on Byars’ behalf.

Byars, a 6-year veteran of the Arcadia Fire Department, hiked out of the Los Padres National Forest dehydrated and disoriented Sunday. He credits two fishermen with saving his life, according to Arcadia Firefighter Drew Pryor.

“We believe without those fishermen, Taylor could be in the same predicament and lost in the wilderness like Mike,” Pryor said.

Unlike Herdman, 27-year-old Byars, of Rancho Cucamonga, was inexperienced in backpacking. He bought brand new supplies for the four-day camping trip that Herdman planned. Byars became separated from his camping partner when Herdman, half dressed and barefoot, ran after his dog, Duke.

Byars, a physically fit mixed martial artist, traveled up and down the creek looking for Herdman. He left a bag of supplies for his friend when he decided to hike out for help, Pryor said.

The two fishermen helped Byars get back to the parking lot where he’d left his truck, according to Sgt. Eric Buschow, of the Ventura Sheriff’s Department. The fishermen called investigators after hearing about the missing firefighter on the news and indicated they found a bag left behind by Byars, Buschow said.

Though devastated by his missing friend, Byars has been assisting in the search throughout the week and does not plan leave until Herdman is found, Pryor said.

Herdman’s family and friends are grasping for any information, good or bad, he said.

“If anyone can make it through this, we know Mike can,” Pryor said. “We’re hopeful everyday waiting for news that Mike will come home … We’re on pins and needles.”

Jason Henry is an investigative reporter with the Southern California News Group. Raised in Ohio, Jason began his career at a suburban daily near Cleveland before moving to California in 2013. He is a self-identified technophile, data nerd and wannabe drone pilot.